Auburn cornerback tries to make another name for self

Aaron Wilson, The Baltimore Sun

MOBILE, Ala. — Auburn cornerback Chris Davis became an Iron Bowl hero when he caught a flubbed Alabama field-goal attempt and dashed the length of the field for the game-winning touchdown against the Crimson Tide.

Ever since the game-changing play during a dramatic 34-28 victory over Alabama on Dec. 3, Davis has dealt with the sudden fame from his role in toppling the two-time defending national champions.

It's also increased Davis' name recognition with NFL teams as the All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection tries to improve his draft stock. Most analysts rate him as a fourth-round target.

Davis has flashed athleticism and versatility this week at the Senior Bowl.

"I think it's a good thing because making that kind of play kind of helped me get noticed by some folks," Davis said. "I'm just trying to take advantage of that. It's a special moment, but the teams want to talk about football.

"It's a good experience being here. I'm trying to catch some eyes of some scouts out here. It's a good opportunity to do that."

The 5-foot-10-inch 201 pounder has experienced lows as well as highs, including being beaten by Florida State star wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin for the game-winning touchdown in the BCS national title game.

"I think I'm a four-down guy," Davis said. "I can line up inside and outside and go back there and return kicks. That's something I've liked to do ever since I first started playing football. Hopefully, I get a chance to continue doing that."

Eyeing the prospects

The Ravens' scouts and coaches have come away impressed by multiple prospects this week.

"There's been some guys who kind of came onto our radar screen this week," assistant general manager Eric DeCosta said. "There's a lot of talented players in this game who are raising their game and are really competing very well."

Lindenwood cornerback Pierre Desir is determined to prove that his size, speed and awareness will translate to the NFL after dominating the Division II level and being named to several All-American teams.

Desir deflected a handful of passes Wednesday morning for the North squad, reading the eyes of Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd.

He should have intercepted a pass from Boyd near the end zone after breaking in front of the intended target, but the football loudly clanged off his shoulder pads.

"It was a good look," Desir said. "I read the route and I broke on the ball, but I got to make those catches."

Desir was a late invitation to the Senior Bowl after a delivering a strong performance at the East-West Shrine game.

Desir is a tall, athletic 6-foot-1, 195 pounds who's rated anywhere from the second round to the third round depending on how fast he runs at the NFL scouting combine in February.

Desir has been difficult to beat all week, shutting down elusive Wyoming wide receiver Robert Herron in red-zone drills Wednesday.

"Impressive guy, we had the chance to see him last week at the East-West game," DeCosta said of Desir. "He's held up very well."